Importance of Summertime Fluids

Timeless Nutrition Tip

During any season of the year, it is important to drink enough water to keep our bodies hydrated, however, warm weather makes it crucial.

The average person loses about ten cups of water throughout the day from normal bodily functions.

Unlike other nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, your body does not store extra fluids for the possibility of becoming dehydrated. To replace these precious stores, drink eight to twelve cups of fluids each day.

Do try to avoid drinks with caffeine, however, because caffeine depletes our bodies of fluid rather than replacing it.

If you're a soda addict and know you should get more water but you just find it too bland and boring, here are some suggestions - give one or more a try at least! You might be pleasantly surprised.

Add your favorite flavoring to seltzer water and you have your own home made soda - only much more healthful.

Consider a product such as True Lemon, an all-natural crystallized lemon powder (it comes in lime and orange, as well).

Add a splash of your favorite fruit juice to your water for additional flavor, sweetness and nutrients.

Try sparkling mineral waters like Perrier or San Pellegrino.

Sports Drink Idea

Here is a sports drink idea that both works and tastes great - and you make it yourself: Take a glass of orange juice and add a pinch of salt; dilute with an equal amount of water. This electrolyte-rich beverage provides roughly the same number of calories and grams of carbohydrate as commercially prepared sports drinks. Because orange juice contains fructose (fruit sugar), studies show it may help keep levels of blood sugar more stable than commercial drinks made with glucose.

Tea Time?

And if you enjoy tea, you're in luck - tea is considered even healthier than water, in spite of it being a mild diuretic. A study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking tea is actually healthier than just drinking plain water. The flavanoids in tea may protect against diseases such as heart disease and cancer. This applies to green, black or white or herbal teas. (You might want to skip the cream and sugar, though).